Thomas Elmer McDonnell Jr. Obituary (1960 - 2021)

McDonnell Thomas E. Jr., age 61, of Philadelphia, passed away at home with his loving family on August 23, 2021, Tom had many passions in life, his family, friends, his love of entertaining, travel, and sports. His one constant was his wife of 40 years, JoAnn. Tom and JoAnn started dating in high school and never looked back. They married, started a family, and built a life together. Their stories and memories span decades. Wherever Tom was so was JoAnn. They were best friends, and the love of each other's lives. Tom and JoAnn became parents with the birth of their wonderful daughter, Megan. Tom raised Megan to be a compassionate, helpful, and loving person which shows in the mother that she has become today. His son, Tom the 3rd, grew up as his helper then followed his Dad's loves by going to Penn State and then working with his favorite team the Flyers. He gained a daughter in law when Tom married Kara in 2014. As his family grew so did his heart. He was the happiest when he became a grandfather when Rachel was born and he gained a new best friend. Joyce loved him more than words can say, and he was so proud of her. His little Disney Princesses, Annie and Molly completed his family and they loved visiting their Papa in Fishtown to go swimming. His girls were his greatest joy. Tom was born and raised in Fishtown to his namesake Tom Sr and his mother Dorothy who he loved so much. His sister Kelly and her husband Mike were always there for Tom, JoAnn, and their kids. His first best friend was his Grandpop Power and he loved spending time with his Uncle Billy and his other Aunts, Uncles, and cousins on their family vacations. Tom began performing at a young age. He was first introduced to magic when he was in the Boy Scouts. As he grew so did his love for magic. He started performing for adults in stage shows and competitions but his real knack for entertaining was for children. His family often joked that he got along with kids so well because he just never grew up. His shows were interesting, entertaining, creative, and always funny, just like Tom. Tom was part of many clubs and organizations for magic. He often traveled to conventions and enjoyed connecting and talking with other magicians. He made many lifelong friends through magic including his long-time best friends Mike Miller and Tony Aviles. He loved talking magic and life with Dennis Giovine, John Moran, David Hutchman, John Bobik and so many others that shared his passion. His love for Magic transformed into his love for the most magical place on earth, Disney World. After one visit in 1990 he was hooked and became an enthusiast for everything Walt Disney and Mickey. He shared cherished memories vacationing there every year for decades with his family and extended family including the Goodwins, Hoffman's and Matthew's and most recently with his granddaughters. He passed on his love for sports, specifically the Flyers, to his son and daughter. They would go to games together and always had to have the newest team jersey, shirts, and hats. Though Tom only lived in one house in Fishtown for his entire life, his home extended much further and included so many family and friends. He brought so much joy and magic to the world and he is sure to be doing the same in his new home as he reconnects with those that he loved and lost. Tom is the beloved husband of JoAnn (nee Hoffman); Cherished father of Megan and Thomas III (Kara). Devoted Papa of Rachel, Joyce, Annie, and Molly; Loving brother of Kelly (the late Mike) Goodwin, Terri (Jim) Matthews and Joe (Trudy) Hoffman; Adored uncle of Dorothy (Tim) Dunn, Michael (Megan) Goodwin, Joey (Madison) Hoffman, Hunter Hoffman, Emily Matthews, Grace Matthews and great uncle of Timmy Dunn, Bailey Dunn and Joey Hoffman; Dearest friend of Mike Miller. Relatives, friends, members of the International Brotherhood of Magicians and the Society of American Magicians are invited to offer condolences to his family Saturday August 28, 2021, from 10:00 AM until 12:00 noon at T.J. Fluehr Funeral Home, 11010 Knights Rd. Words of Remembrance 12:00 noon. To share a memory of Tom, please visit www.tjfluehr.com Florists, all deliveries must arrive at the funeral home on Friday before 3:00 PM To send flowers to Thomas' family, please visit our floral store.